Obituaries

KOESTLER – Kevin T. January 3, 2023. Dear father of Jessica (Mike) Gutowski, Mary Koestler (Dakota Eckley) and Anne (Steve) Wolford; proud grandfather of Lydia, Travis, Jacob, Austin, Temperance and Mason; son of the late William and Doris; loving brother of Lori (Jeff) Reusch; former spouse and mother of his daughters, Mary and Anne, is Kathy Koestler; dearest cousin of Charlene (Ronald) Goodrich; and his beloved dogs Bandit, Charlie, Rosie and Harley.
Visitation Saturday, January 14th 3-6 PM at the PACER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2275 George Urban Blvd. (two blocks east of Dick Rd.) where a service will follow at 6 PM.
Kevin was VicePresident of Forks Volunteer Fire Co. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed boating, camping, fishing and hunting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forks Vol. Fire Co. Condolences at www.PACERFUNERALHOME.com

Ronald W. Amberger, 58 of Rochester, passed away peacefully of pneumonia on Friday, January 6, 2023 surrounded by his family at Unity Hospital. He was born April 1, 1964 in Warsaw, to the late John and Faye (Schmidt) Amberger Sr.

One year after High School graduation, Ron was in a horrific car accident, changing his life and the people around him forever. Suffering from major brain trauma and multiple broken bones, Ron spent months in a coma, and years of rehab. There were years of multiple locations and healing after the accident.

Ron was able to touch the lives of many people who were destined to help him. After twenty years of trying to find the proper care for Ron, he was transferred to Pralid where he was finally understood. Eighteen years of love, devotion and commitment, the staff became his new family. Thirty-eight years of this man’s life were spent under the care of doctors, nurses and care workers. The biggest fighter for life anyone would ever know.  

Ron is survived by his brother John (Jeannie Kirch) Amberger Jr., nephew Evan Amberger, niece Shea Amberger, along with a few aunts and cousins.

There will be no prior calling hours. A graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epilepsy-Pralid, Inc., 305 Pinnacle Road, Rochester, NY 14623. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Eleanor M. (Rock) Thweatt, 92 of Batavia, passed away peacefully Thursday (January 5, 2023) at her residence.

She was born September 11, 1930 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late John and Helen Sidis Rock.

Eleanor was a 1948 graduate of Batavia High School where after she started her career as a dental assistant for the late Dr. Richard Pixley. She then went on to work several years for the late Dr. Conrad Kubiniec then Dr. Michael Kubiniec. Eleanor truly loved her job through the years and the patients she interacted with. She was a member of Ascension Parish in Batavia and the St. Jerome Guild. She loved to read and spend time with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, William “Bud” Thweatt of Batavia. Son, Mark Thweatt of Rochester. Daughter in-law, Laurie Thweatt-Putnam of Darien. Grandchildren, Stephen (Jen Konieczny) Thweatt, Jennifer (Derek) Geib, Josiah (Klarisa Loft) Putnam, Sydney Thweatt, Jillian (John) Ruiz and Maxwell Thweatt. Great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Adalyn, Roman and Avram. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Joanne Thweatt and Stephen Thweatt. Sister of the late Sigmund Rock, Hedy Gerew, Conrad Rock, Virginia Prinsen and John Rock Jr..

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Thursday (January 12^th) from 4-6pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

Memorial contributions may be offered to the Genesee County Office for the Aging for Meals on Wheels, 2 Bank St, Batavia, NY 14020 or Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

  Frank C. OGeen, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Roswell Park. He was born February 18, 1931 in LeRoy to the late Joseph and Pauline (Maloni) OGeen. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Philip OGeen, James OGeen, Sarah (John) Zinni, Palmina “Pam” OGeen, brothers and sisters-in-law, Hank Valerych, Russell Cravatta, Mary (Joseph) Yacono, Joseph (Ida) Schiavone, Peter (Kay) Schiavone, Lucy (Mario) Maloni.

Mr. OGeen was a proud United States Army Veteran. He retired from Lapp Insulator in LeRoy. Frank was an avid New York Yankees fan, Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and he went to Super Bowl XXVII when the Bills played the Cowboys. He also enjoyed traveling and going to the casino.

Frank was a man of great faith, a former member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, officer of the Holy Name Society, he was an usher for over 50 years and currently a member of Resurrection Parish. He was a hard working family man that loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Mungillo, Dr. William Cecere, the VA Hospital in Batavia, Roswell Park in Buffalo, along with all the Dr.’s and nurses that gave Frank such amazing care.

Mr. OGeen is survived by his beloved wife Rose M. (Schiavone) OGeen, daughters, Marianne (James) Clattenburg, Paula (Mark) Fischer all of Batavia; siblings, Salvatore (Joan) OGeen, Joseph (Donna) OGeen, Connie Cecere all of LeRoy, brothers and sisters-in-law, Jo Ann OGeen of LeRoy, Ann Valerych of Batavia, Theresa Cravatta of Rochester, Jeanette (Bruce) Tehan of Batavia, grandchildren, Andrea (Michael) Clattenburg Szymczak, Lisa (Benjamin) Bonarigo, Andrew (Kristen) Fischer, Kathleen Fischer, great-grandson Benjamin James Bonarigo, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 4 to 7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30am Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. He will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY 14020 or to Roswell Park at www.roswellpark.org. To leave messages of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Joan M. Tullar, 79 of Oakfield, NY, passed away on Thursday (January 5, 2023) at her residence.

She was born February 25, 1943 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late George and Verna Butler Henning.

Joan was employed by the former Riegels Greenhouse in Batavia. She had a love for animals and enjoyed watching TV, especially soap operas. Joan was a very caring person and second mother and friend to many. She was also known for her fondness for the Bills, Elvis and Barry Manilow songs. She will be dearly missed by anyone who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Tullar of Oakfield. Daughter, Pamela (Andrew) Slawetsky of Rochester. Son, Ramie Grice of Batavia. Sisters, Linda (Glen) Northup of Byron and Shirlene Edwards of Batavia. Sisters in-law, Carrie Henning of Batavia and Arlene Henning of Batavia. Grandchildren, Joshua Grice, Cassie Grice, Janice Fitzgerald, Richard Grice, Robert Grice and Kennedy Grice. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joan is predeceased by her son, Timothy Grice. Brothers, George Henning, Lewis Henning, Leland Henning, Edward Henning and Robert Henning. Sister Betty Mogenhan and sisters in-law, Cecelia Henning and Marilyn Henning.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Tuesday (Jan. 10^th) from 3:30pm – 6:30pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will follow at 6:30pm. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Because of Joan’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be offered to GRASP, P.O. Box 26741, Rochester, NY 14626 or New 2 U Rescue, 1857 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14615. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Antoinette M Dempski, 96, of Batavia passed away peacefully Monday, December 19, 2022 at her home.
She was born May 26, 1926 in Buffalo to the late Joseph and Franciszka J. Sochalec. Antoinette was a hard working woman proud of her home that she and her husband built. She enjoyed needlepoint, ceramics, gardening, traveling, and made most of her clothes. She was a great storyteller. At one time she operated a beauty shop in her home. She was proud of her Polish heritage and was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart (Ascension) Parish in Batavia, NY. 

She is predeceased by her husband Andrew P. Dempski and their children: Leonard (Donna) Dempski, Mary (Steven) Bourdon and grandson Nicholas. Her siblings: her sister Mary, and brothers Edward Urban, Leonard, Joseph, and Stanley Sochalec. 

Survivors include her son Andrew (Aleksandra), her grandson Andrew III (Terressa) with whom she resided. And grandchildren Kathleen (Peter) Cecere, Michael (Kathy) Dempski. Her sister Theresa Eckert, and sister in law Diane Sochalec. Also great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, January 10th at 10 am at Ascension Parish in Batavia.

Leon F. Halat Sr., 86, of Oakfield, passed away on Wednesday, January 4. 

He was born February 19, 1936, to the late Samuel and Mary Halat (Ballon), and resided his entire life on Oakfield’s Albion Road.

Leon was a proud life-long onion farmer on the Elba Mucklands, who ran a farm started by his immigrant father.  He was an outdoorsman who loved hard work and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian Halat, of Oakfield; his children Mary (Brian) Nanni of Basom, Leon (Kathleen) Halat Jr. of Oakfield, and Nathan (Bernadette) Halat currently in Washington, D.C.; his grandchildren Lisa, Laura, Stephanie, Sebastian and Caroline; along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 8, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 9, 10:00 am, at St. Cecilia Church in Oakfield, and Leon will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery.  

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Padre Pio Parish, at 56 Maple Street, Oakfield, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

LeRoy ~ Mary Katherine White finished her journey here on earth January 2nd, 2023 after a battle with cancer.

     Mary was born February 5th, 1961 in Auburn, NY. She grew up and spent a lot of her life in Bergen, NY. She relocated to LeRoy, NY with her husband in 1994.

   

  She was a nanny, a preschool teacher at Little Hands Preschool and cooked meals for elders at The Greens of LeRoy. Mary was involved with the Bergen United Methodist Church’s many programs and events. She devoted much of her life to helping others and was loved by many.

     Mary’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved gardening, creating and spending time with family and friends. Some of her best moments were spent on the water of Cayuga, Black and Honeoye Lakes.

     Mary is predeceased by her parents, Marjorie and Charles Dusinberre; her brothers, James and John Dusinberre; her sisters, Nancy Hartgrove and Anne Hilburger; her nephew, Sean Dusinberre and her great nephew, Dylan Dusinberre.

     She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Don; her children, Katherine (Quentin) Humphrey, Hailey (Jonathan Clark) White, Derek (Lynn) White and Dylan (Lee) White; her sister, Diane (Samuel) Vann; her brother Mark Dusinberre; 6 grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

     Services/testimonials will be held on her birthday, February 5th. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a service to follow at 4:00 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.

     Flowers can be sent to the funeral home and memorial donations may be made to Little Hands Preschool, c/o Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 S. Lake Avenue, P.O. Box 216, Bergen, NY 14416.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Nancy M. Jellison, 88, of Attica passed away December 31, 2022. She was to predeceased by her mother Sophie Utech, her husband Doug Jellison and granddaughter Tracey Dwyer.

Born and raised in Buffalo she moved to Attica in 1965 when her and Doug purchased the farm naming it Jelliscenic Farm. While running the business and raising four children she also found time to breed, raise and show collie dogs, winning many championships. She was a member of many dog clubs, her main focus being Tonawanda Valley Kennel Club. She was a 4-H club leader and dog obedience trainer. She belonged to the Attica Garden club, Attica and Bennington Historical Societies and a member of the Attica, Bennington and Alexander seniors groups.

Nancy is survived by her four children Doug, Kathy, Arnold his wife Mildred and Brian. She has 6 grandchildren. Val, Adam, Rachel, Zac, Adrianna and Damian. She has 15 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 5, 2023 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 6, 2023 at Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish, 50 East Ave., Attica, NY 14011. Nancy will be laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bennington Fire Department at 1353 NY-354, Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Basom - Lee C. Prentice, 82 of Basom, passed away on Monday, (January 2, 2023) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Prentice was born August 29, 1940 in Medina, a son of the late Roy and Joyce (North) Prentice.

Lee was a lifetime member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department and a social member of the American Legion Post 626 in Basom. He was the owner of Prentice Auto Parts in Basom. Lee enjoyed racing, and took pride in having built many race cars over the years, both for dirt and asphalt tracks. He was an avid bowler, and competed in tournaments in Reno, Las Vegas, and Syracuse.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Scroger) Prentice; children, Russell and Leann Prentice; great-grandchildren, Russell and Justin Muntz; and brothers, Steven and Bruce Prentice.

He is survived by his daughter, Stacy (Ron) Swimline of Basom; grandchildren, Mike (Heather Captain) Swimline of Alabama, and Nicole (Corey Klase) Muntz of Alabama; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Reed, and Blair; sisters, Alair (late Norman) DuBois of Medina, and Valerie Prentice of Texas; sister-in-law, Rita Prentice of North Carolina. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 3 to 8:00 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield, where Lee 's Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Medina.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prentice Family.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Charles W. Knapp, age 73, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends at United Memorial Medical Center following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Batavia, New York on November 7, 1949, a son of the late Clarence and Florence Moore Knapp.

Charlie worked at the Albion Correctional Facility as a corrections officer for 29 years. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman he enjoyed trips to the Adirondack Mountains, Montana, Pennsylvania and anywhere he could be in the woods surrounded by nature. He was a member of the Blue Knights and loved riding his Harley all over the country, especially at Sturgis during Bike Week. He was an active volunteer for the Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association (Godfrey's Pond) serving on their board of directors.

Charlie touched the lives of many and will be remembered for the love, laughter, and guidance he gave to all.

Survived by his longtime companion, Ann Collins of Batavia; children, Colby (Stephanie) Knapp of Cape Coral, Florida, Jennifer (Bill) Schwartz of Pensacola, Florida, Chelsea (Caleb) Baker of Cape Coral, Florida, Erica (Derek) Armstrong of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Noah Knapp of Fort Myers, Florida, Jake (Bailey) Knapp of Yuma, Arizona along with their mother Grace Sweeney of Ft Myers, Florida, Christin (Justin) Hoffman of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Colby (Maria) Hutchins of San Antonio, Texas; 22 grandchildren; his brother, John (Cathy) Knapp of Albion, and his niece, Shannon Knapp of Albion.

Family and friends may call on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 5 pm to 8 pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia where services will be held at 2 pm Saturday. He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Association, P.O. Box 217, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Charles are under the care of H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

LeRoy ~ Charles R. Steffenilla, age 94, of Pleasant Street, passed away late Friday afternoon (December 30, 2022) at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

  

   He was born July 29, 1928 in LeRoy, a son of the late Angelo and Mary Tramontana Steffenilla.

     He was predeceased by his siblings; brothers, Anthony, Michael, Samuel, Joseph, Alphonso, Thomas (age 2 years) and Thomas (age 8 days) Steffenilla, along with sisters, Carrie Riggi, Rosie Tuzzeo, Jennie Hale, Fannie Steffenilla, Josephine Thomas, and Agnes Steffenilla.

     Charles, or as most of his family called him, Uncle Chuck, will be remembered as a loving and kind man, who enjoyed being around his family. Chuck owned the Chili Big M grocery store for many years. Upon his retirement, he relished in hosting family and friends every morning for coffee.  He never missed an episode of General Hospital or Wheel of Fortune. He took pleasure in watching the Buffalo Bills, Syracuse Orange, and The Ohio State Buckeyes play football. His nephew, Anthony (Nino) Riggi lived with Chuck for over thirty years, and they often enjoyed heading to casinos with their free time.

     He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Sharon) Steffenilla; special nieces and nephews, Sam Steffenilla, Judy Orlando, John and Mary Riggi, Brenda Walters, Sue and Tom Collier, and Brett and Evie Babcock, along with many other family members and dear friends.

     At his request, there will be no public visitation or services. He will be laid to rest privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to LeRoy Ambulance Service, P O Box 56, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Charles’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Bethany - Norma L. Bower, 93 of East Bethany went to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Norma was born Tuesday, January 22nd, 1929 in Batavia, NY a daughter of the late William A. and Laura (Wood) Phillips. She graduated from Pavilion High School and married the love of her life, Robert Bower on March 21, 1953 at East Bethany Presbyterian Church.

She was a lifelong member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she was an organist for many years. Norma was tax collector for the town of Bethany for over 44 years and was an active member in the Marine Corps League, American Legion Auxiliary #332, and National Rural Carriers Auxiliary and Provident Guild. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and watching the Muckdogs play.

She is survived by children, Robert (Susan) Bower of Rush, Kathleen (Rev. Edwin) Blair of VA, Douglas (Dawn) Bower of Albion, Calvin (Ruth) Bower of Canadice and Daniel (Anne) Bower of Tupper Lake, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In death Norma is reunited with her husband  Robert B. Bower and her parents William A. and Laura Phillips.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 5th, 2023  from 4:00 pm  to 7:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street Batavia, NY. Norma 's funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road East Bethany, NY.  Burial will be in East Bethany Rural Cemetery in East Bethany.

Emerald Rose Green, born August 22, 2022, of Buffalo, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2022. Emerald was the light and joy of her parents Kevin Green II and Mollie R. Harding and her brother Kevin Green III.

Emerald’s life was filled with love and happiness and she will always be remembered for her sweetness and her ability to melt hearts.

In addition to her parents and brother, Emerald is survived by her grandparents Phillip P. Heale, Joanna Harding, Lisa Hanley and the late Kevin Green, Sr., great-grandparents Janice R. Heale, Paul B. Heale, Edward and Darlene Harding, Lawrence and Patricia Hanley, aunts and uncles Brook Garrett, Loden Garrett, Honesty Green, Destiny Green, Lorenzo Vazgus and the late Tyana Green, great-aunt Karen Orasco and many other cousins, friends and loved ones.

Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.